Yet being too critical would be harsh. There were some good performances within the Albion side. Craig Gardner and Graham Dorrans performed with energy and creativity with Berahino's return to form also welcome.

It was a spirited opening for Albion. Berahino was brilliantly challenged by two Sunderland men as he prepared to pull the trigger in the third minute.

And yet it was Sunderland who struck first, two minutes later. Chris Brunt conceded a free-kick. Seb Larsson's free-kick was headed across the box by the unmarked Brown. Albion only partially cleared. The ball rolled to the feet of Lee Cattermole, who thumped a beauty into the top corner. Ben Foster stretched for it, but was unable to keep it out.

Albion's enthusiasm didn't dip. Sébastien Pocognoli ploughed a strong left-footed strike wide of Vito Mannone's goal just after 20 minutes. And within a few minutes, Saido Berahino had gone close.

The 21-year-old was the beneficiary of a tidy link-up between Gardner and Anichebe. The ball was rolled into the path of the Albion youngster who smashed his effort just wide.

It was better stuff by Albion, who might have been behind but didn't abandon their spirit or will.

Where Albion were doing well was in terms of bookings. Craig Dawson was the first, with Dorrans and Olsson following for fouls and unsporting behaviour respectively.

Albion were moving the ball around well. Dorrans and Gardner were positive, Berahino was lively, Brunt was trying to pick open space.

The reward came three minutes from half-time. The excellent Gardner played in Anichebe who appeared to tumble easily as he tangled with Valentin Roberge. Referee Neil Swarbrick called the penalty straight away - with replays suggesting the Lancashire official got it spot on.

Mannone was already heading to his left as Berahino's spot-kick rolled to his right. One-one.

Albion courted further drama just after the start of the second-half. Craig Dawson appeared to bundle an effort over the line - one which would have required Hawkeye assistance. Luckily for Sunderland, Swarbrick's assistant had already flagged for a foul by Berahino. It was later shown to be over the line.

Sunderland had a chance themselves just after the 50 minute mark. A corner was swung in - Wickham rolled past Wisdom but his instinctive effort went wide.

Albion weren't done either. A neat passage of play through Albion's centre found Anichebe side-stepping past his marker. The Albion striker did everything right, only to scuff his final shot allowing Sunderland to clear.

Sunderland were showing their own anger towards the linesman at the opposite end of the field just before the hour. A Seb Larsson cross was nodded through a crowded set of players by Wes Browm. Steven Fletcher peeled away from his markers to beat Foster from close range. It was an excellent finish from the ex-Wolves man - but it was executed from an offside position. Again, no goal.

Albion thought they'd netted the winner in the 74th minute. Graham Dorrans launched a long range effort at goalkeeper Mannone. The Sunderland goalkeeper reached over to keep the ball out. Craig Gardner was the quickest to spot an opportunity. He chased the ball down and crossed from the left for Berahino, who darted in from the right to send the shot past Mannone at the far post.

That should have been enough for Albion.

But old habits die hard, even under new management. In the 85th minute, Sunderland found new energy to burst down the left. Patrick Van Aanholt sent in a low cross which found its way past a seat of Albion shirts for Larsson to convert from close range. for Larsson to convert from close range.rs. Not surprised after that debut. Clearly Rotherham have done their homework.